LIVIN'
THE WORDI want share the benefits we receive when we live according to the Word of God. I hope to help us know how to live the Word of God in order to receive those benefits.
1) What it means to be blessed. 2) What the word of God really is. 3) How to do the Word of God.
I. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLESSED AS WE DO THE WORD
Luke 11:27-28 (NIV)
Jesus basically tells the woman who is really blessed. Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it. Those who live their life according to the Word of God are blessed. How many want to be blessed? The word blessed in this verse means to be supremely blessed. It doesn't mean doubly blessed or triply blessed, but FULLY blessed. There's no way to measure it.
How many people want to be blessed? There are some fellowships where the people will respond to "How are you?" by saying: "I'm blessed". If they are saying this in all honesty, then they most likely are living the Word.
As we live our lives according to the Word, we will be blessed in all that we do!
James 1:23-25 (NIV)
The main reason why we are blessed is because what we are doing is influenced by the Word. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. The best way to have our minds renewed is by reading the Word. Blessings do not come by adhering to religious traditions.
Churches and denominations die because they are not doing the Word. In churches like this it is like walking among the living dead. We are blessed because we live according to the Word: In our jobs, Our marriages As parents, Financially and Physically. God's desire is for us to be blessed. That's why He gave us the Word.
II WHAT IS THE WORD OF GOD?
The easy answer is "It's the Bible". It is more than just written words on printed pages. It is more than just a collection of books handed down through the ages. It is more than just literature: poetry, prose, narratives dialogues. It is more than just historical facts and human geneology.
The Word of God is God's revelation of Himself to man. The Bible speaks about itself. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that it is living and powerful. It will penetrate the very core of your being. It will judge the intents of your heart.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that it is inspired by God. The Word of God is not the result of observation. It is communication. God breathed His word through those who wrote His revelation.
Matthew 24:35 tells us that it's eternal. Laws of nations are in constant revision. Some treat the Word as something which may be revised from time to time according to their experience and feelings. The Word of God wasn't designed to line up with our experiences or feelings. We are to line up with the Word.
Understand what you are doing when you live the Word. We are acting upon that which is God-breathed. We are acting upon that which is powerful. We are acting upon that which is eternal.
The Word of God serves us in certain areas of our lives.
It increases our faith. Romans 10:17 (NIV) "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."
It keeps us from sinning. Psalm 119:9 (NKJV) "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word."
It gives us wisdom. Psalm 119:98 (NKJV) "You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me.
It causes us to prosper in everything we do. Psalm 1:2-3 (NKJV) "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper."
It enables us to receive the things for which we ask. John 15:7 (NKJV) "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
III HOW TO DO THE WORD OF GOD
Luke 11:28 (NKJV) "But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Jesus is giving more than a commandment that you have to observe the Word of God. He is saying that if you want to be blessed, you will observe, keep, and do the Word of God. Many people say they want to be blessed, but are they willing to do what it takes to be blessed? Many Christians are guilty of the same type of thing. They want to be blessed by God, but they are unwilling to keep His Word.
You cannot shun God's instructions and expect to be blessed. It doesn't matter how many conferences you attend, or tapes you listen to, or Christian programs you watch. If we fail to do the Word, the blessings of God won't come.
How do we do the Word of God? Prioritize the Word of God for your life. If you're not spending time in the Word, it's not a priority for you. Spiritual food should be more important than physical food.
Study the Word of God devotionally. Understand that the Bible is not just a book... it's THE book. Start your time of studying the Word with a prayer asking the Lord to speak to you through His word.
Meditate on the Word of God. (Psalms 1:2) To meditate literally means to talk to yourself. It refers to thinking about the same passage over and over again. This means you can't get in a hurry. Spend time looking over the passage. Study the passage of scripture with someone else.
Apply the Word of God. This takes a willingness on our part to recognize
that there are areas in our lives which need changing. Ask yourself the
following questions:
Is there sin here for me to avoid or confess?
Is there a promise to claim or live by?
Do I need to change an attitude?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there an example to follow or avoid?
Is there something to pray or praise God about?
CONCLUSION:
We are blessed as we do the Word of God.
Let the word of God communicate to you.
Live the Word of God.